How to Get Rid of Mold on Firewood?

Mold growth is common on firewood that hasn’t properly dried or cured. Prolonged exposure to moisture and damp environments allows mold spores to thrive.

Removing mold on firewood takes some work, but it must be done prior to burning. Mold release toxins and spores that can irritate lungs if inhaled from smoke or handling contaminated wood.

This guide covers various techniques for identifying, removing, and preventing mold formation on your stack of firewood before winter hits.

Why Get Rid of Moldy Firewood?

It’s crucial to remove mold from firewood prior to burning it for the following reasons:

• Mold releases airborne spores that aggravate health issues.
• Mold emits harmful mycotoxins impossible to destroy by fire.
• The musty scent of mold lingers even after burning the wood.
• Mold accelerates decay and reduces the heat output potential of your firewood.

Make sure you properly treat or discard moldy wood. Attempting shortcuts by directly burning it poses unnecessary health risks to your household.

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Identifying Mold Presence

Carefully inspect firewood for common signs of mold presence:

Visible Mold Growth

Look closely at the woodpile for multicolored fuzzy or powdery mold spots. Typically white, black, green or grey patches indicate active mold presence. Probe deeper within the stack using a moisture meter, as subsurface mold may not be visible.

Musty Smell

Take note of any unpleasant or earthy smells emanating from stored wood. A strong musty odor usually signals excessive moisture ideal for mold development.

Wet and Cold Wood

Feel the logs checking for dampness or chilled wood. This shows improper curing allowing moisture accumulation. Wet, soaking wood provides prime conditions for mold spread regardless of visible signs.

Catching mold growth early improves chances for removal treatment. Don’t wait until extensive contamination before taking action.

Preventing Mold Growth

Preventing mold on firewood involves proper curing, drying, storing methods:

Store Wood Properly

• Keep wood elevated off ground with a moisture barrier underneath.
• Allow sufficient airflow around the stack to inhibit mold growth.
• Cover the top only while allowing the sides exposure to wind and sun.
• Avoid stacking wood against structures which prevents drying.

Avoid Wet Wood

• Don’t store freshly cut “green” wood long-term until curing completes.
• Discard any rotten, moldy or partially decayed wood from your stacks.

Take preventative measures first before mold creates issues needing to be addressed.

Removing Mold from Firewood

If mold sets in on your firewood, take action quickly using these removal methods:

Drying Method

The key is reducing moisture content which mold needs to propagate.

• Set up racks or loosely stacked rows for adequate airflow access.
• Use fans or dehumidifiers to actively expedite drying process.
• Allow sufficient drying time until moisture level reads below 20% on a meter.

This gradual moisture removal often solves minor mold issues.

Surface Cleaning

For more extensive mold removal, manually scrub the wood:

• Use a stiff brush to scrub visible mold off the surface.
• Create a vinegar solution (1 cup vinegar + 1 gallon water) as a natural antimicrobial cleaner. Spray on mold growth and let sit 5-10 minutes before scrubbing.
• Make a hydrogen peroxide blend (1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide + 4 parts water) to increase antifungal properties.
• Mix 1 cup Borax with 1 gallon of warm water. The borax solution tackling stubborn mold stains.
• Discard and safely dispose of any cleaning debris harbouring mold traces.

Repeat as needed until mold, staining and discolouration dissipates.

Extremes Method

For advanced removal, employ extreme temperature shifts:

• Heat small batches of firewood using a kiln or oven to 160°F for 30 minutes. This exposure kills mold.
• Alternately, freeze logs for 24-48 allowing the deep chill to destroy mold.
• Solarisation by exposing logs to direct sunlight for 6+ hours helps breakdown mold.

Monitor closely as excessive heat/cold risks cracking or splitting your wood.

When to Toss Firewood?

Despite your best efforts, some firewood remains too far gone for salvage requiring disposal:

• Toss wood still showing mold growth or staining after intensive removal efforts.
• Discard any rotting, punky wood with substantial decomposition.
• Presence of burrowing insects also signals the wood is too degraded for use.

Don’t risk lung health trying to save heavily contaminated wood.

Storing Treated Wood

Upon treating and removing mold on your firewood, avoid recontamination:

• Keep wood dry by storing covered on racks off the ground.
• Choose a location with ample airflow circulation to prevent moisture accumulation.
• Check periodically for any recurring mold signs.

With vigilance, your next firewood supply should remain mold-free for use.

Safety First

Take safety precautions when handling moldy firewood:

• Wear gloves, long sleeves and a protective mask to avoid skin and lung contact.
• Work outdoors only to prevent spreading spores indoors.
• Clean all exposed gear to avoid inadvertent contamination.
• Wash thoroughly after exposure before contaminants spread.

Don’t take risks with potential mold toxicity.

When In Doubt, Replace Wood Source?

If your current firewood resist treatment, or mold reappears despite preventions, consider replacing the wood altogether.

Contact local suppliers for properly cured firewood ideal for burning. Request aged and covered wood for at least 6-12 months to allow thorough drying.

Although more costly than gathering your own wood, the health assurance makes this a prudent investment for households prone to mold issues.

Conclusion

In summary, addressing mold growth promptly on firewood is critical before usage. First attempt drying treatments, cleaning solutions and extreme temperature shifts to eradicate contamination.

Monitor carefully for any lingering signs, as deeply embedded mold may still pose a risk if ignored. Don’t hesitate to discard extensively permeated wood. Seek properly cured firewood from commercial dealers when problems persist.

Stay diligent against mold regrowth through proper firewood storage methods. With concerted efforts, you can enjoy heating your home safely without fear of hazardous mold-related smoke.

FAQs

Can I burn moldy firewood?
It’s unsafe burning moldy wood as toxins and spores released into the smoke present health hazards if inhaled. Always remove mold first through cleaning treatments or drying methods before burning firewood.

How long does moldy firewood last?
Depending on dampness and drying conditions, superficial mold lasts days to weeks before proliferating through the wood. Deep mold can persist for months until the wood shows visible signs of rotting or insects. Judge firewood lifespan case-by-case.

Is moldy firewood safe for cooking?
Never use moldy wood for cooking purposes like grilling, smoking or baking. The mold toxicity poses contamination threats to food. Always use properly seasoned wood free of mold.